BOCA RATON, Fla. - The Lynn University men's soccer team is ready for the 2024 season, looking to build off their NCAA Tournament run from last season.   

Under the guidance of head coach John Rootes, who has steered the Lynn Fighting Knights to two National Championships, the team is poised to continue the defensive tenacity it has shown over the last few years. "We were very good defensively (last season) and we were pleased with that. What we want to do now is build on that defensive strength," said Rootes. The Fighting Knights allowed less than a goal per game (0.763) in 2023, ranking 14th in the nation. 

Three of the Fighting Knights back four are returning from a year ago. Marco Costa, an Italian defender has played nearly 3,000 minutes over his first two seasons with the Blue and White, will return alongside a pair of All-SSC defenders in Henry Haferkorn and Fabio Menzel. "Those three, along with defensive midfielder Fabian Vyhnalek returning, already puts the defensive foundation in place. So that's good for us," Rootes stated. 

Another key cog is 2023 Third Team All-SSC goalkeeper Luca Clavero. Entering his third season, the Seville, Spain native led the Sunshine State Conference with eight shutouts in 2023 and has recorded a 16-4-8 record, .767 SV% and 0.76 GAA in 29 career matches in net. "Luca came in as a true freshman and every year he's gotten better. He'll be a junior, and we feel like he could be the best goalkeeper in the conference," Rootes said.  

On the attack, the coaching staff is excited about a blend of newcomers and returning players, who will try to boost a squad that finished fifth in the SSC in goals per game (1.63) in 2023. Lynn's two leading goal scorers in Luis Kiefer and Max Lambertz, who combined for 35% of the teams scoring in 2023, will once again take the pitch for the Blue and White. The Fighting

Knights head coach also believes a few international players will make an impact. "Lucas Vila is coming over from Argentina. He's a pure number 9, a real goal scorer. We are excited to see what he can bring to the table," Rootes said. "Dominik N'gatie played at a high level in Germany and we brought in Tony Gomez, from Spain. There are some international players that will be eased into the environment of playing in the Sunshine State Conference." 

The Fighting Knights will open the 2024 season on Sept. 5, hosting Spring Hill (Ala.) at 6:00 pm.